October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and I felt I should contribute this article to help teach at least in a little way. As a doctor, I really want to enlighten not frighten, but firstly I would like to give you a quick definition of what Cancer is.

What is Cancer?

It's a disease that is caused by unusual replication of abnormal cells in a part of the body. There are different causes that lead to this unusual replication of cells (carcinogenesis). For example, exposure to radiation (sunlight), genetics, air quality, smoking, etc.Breast Cancer is the unusual division of Breast cells. Although this cannot be prevented, early detection provides the best possibility for a successful treatment.

In Sub Saharan Africa, breast cancer is makeup one in four diagnosed cancers and one in five cancer related deaths in women. Majority of cancers in Africa are diagnosed at an already advanced stage of the disease. This is common in those parts of the world due to lack of screening and early detection services. In addition, there is limited awareness of early signs and symptoms of cancer among the public and health care providers. Stigma associated with a diagnosis of cancer also plays a role in late stage presentation in most parts of Africa.

Like I earlier stated, early detection gives you your best chance at successfully managing and eventually fighting off this disease. Early detection means finding the Cancer before it spreads to other parts of the body. By following these 3 Steps, you will help increase your chance of detecting cancer early.

​1) Breast Self Awareness: Breast Self Awareness helps you to become familiar with how your Breast normally feels and look. Knowing this will help you identify any changes in your breast, if you notice any changes make sure you report it to your physician promptly, but do not panic 8 out 10 lumps are not cancerous. Changes to look out for include:• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm.• A change in the size or shape of the breast• Dimpling or puckering in the Skin of the breast• A nipples turned inward towards the breast• Discharge (fluid) from the nipple when you aren't breastfeeding• Scaly, red, or swollen skin on the breast, nipple or areola (the dark area of skin at the center of the breast). Often these symptoms are not due to cancer, but if you notice any changes in your body, it's advisable to see your physician immediately so that a proper diagnosis can be conducted.

​2) Well-Woman Exam; It is recommended that women visit their family physician or gynecologist each year for an annual Well-Woman Exam. In addition to a routine pelvic exam and Pap smear the doctor may perform a brief breast exam to check for abnormalities. The well-woman exam is a great opportunity for you to discuss with your physician any questions or concerns you have regarding your breast health, for example your doctor may help you determine the most appropriate frequency for your early detection steps.

3) Mammogram: In its early stages, breast cancer does not usually cause symptoms. The National Breast Cancer Foundation recommends that women ages 40 & older get a mammogram every year. A mammogram is an X-Ray of the breast; it is a safe way to detect cancerous tumors and other abnormal conditions. Women who have screening mammograms have lower chance of dying from breast cancer than women who do not have screening mammograms. Mammograms can detect cancer or other problems before a lump becomes large enough to be detectable to touch. They provide an effective way to find breast cancer in its early stages when treatment is usually the most successful, considered safe, quick and relatively painless.When breast cancer is detected early (localized stage) the 5 year relative survival rate is almost 100%, this is why it is so important for you to schedule regular exams.

Please discuss with your physician on how often you should have breast exams. Women with a first degree relative who has been diagnosed with breast cancer (parent, sibling, and child) may need to begin mammography earlier and should consult their physician about the timing and frequency of the exams.

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Misan Dore

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​I am an avid fan of travel and will most certainly want to indulge in travel, food and diversity in culture as a joint activity with my future spouse and family. While I may not yet be married, I did start plans on the places to visit when the time comes. I decided to start my process in the very continent I call home instead of somewhere far off or simply too common. Due to the lack of global media coverage in Africa, the world believes that the best cities for your honeymoon are in Europe and we Africans tend to acknowledge this belief. As such, thousands of couples each year travel to the common cities forgetting that there are places in Africa that can stand toe to toe with the best resorts all over.

Here is my list of the top 5 luxurious resorts here in Africa:

​1) Maritim Jolie Ville (Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt)This resort is located on the private Kings Island of Luxor by the Nile in Egypt, and it covers 660,00sqm. The resort is really a beauty to behold; the Hotel landscape is very beautiful, with two main buildings, ten elegant bungalows, spa with a fitness center, and three swimming pools with the biggest being about 2,800sqm. The Historic sights of Luxor can easily be reached by complimentary shuttle buses at the Hotel.

​2) The Four seasons resort SeychellesThis resort is nicknamed “Seychelles best kept secret” located on Petite Anse Bay, a tropical paradise with a tropical amphitheater of treetop villas, lushly forested paths to the powdery sand beach, the Spa is highly elevated at the top of the Hills with a view that stretches on forever. The villa interiors are inspired by rustic Seychellois and French colonial style. The resort is a haven of untouched nature and peaceful isolation; it definitely should be on your honeymoon visit list or your bucket list. You decide!

​3) Constance Belle Mare PlageThe stylishly renovated Constance Belle Mare Plage in the heart of Belle Mare Mauritius offers comfortable accommodations in a lively and cozy atmosphere, you get to choose from one of 104 Prestige rooms, 149 junior suites, 6 deluxe suites, 18 Presidential Villas for your top-notch island holiday whichever way you want it. Each new day is an opportunity to try new things whether it is the trendy bars, water sports, the seven distinctive restaurants, or the six hip bars. They have whatever you are looking for and they also have a lot of adventures for the kids as well for those of you who wish to take that family trip, this is the place for you.

​4) Sarova Mara Game CampThe Sarova Mara Game Camp is located in the heart of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in South West Kenya. It is set on an elevation surrounded by two streams. The camp is uniquely laid out over the sprawling grounds with well-manicured greens and mini forest, a large pond stocked with fish for your hunting pleasure, mini bird sanctuary and an authentic Maasai village adjourning the camp. With over 50 standard tents, 20 club tents, 2 family tents, a main restaurant, a swimming pool, bar and many bush dining options this place certainly know what the phrase taking you back to your roots mean. This Game Camp is a fun place to be if you want to enjoy the Serengeti lifestyle and still feel pampered.

​5) Reef Oasis Blue Bay ResortThe Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort is one of the most beautiful resorts of Sharm El Sheikh Egypt with the magnificent views of the Sinai Mountains hidden amongst the colorful shades of the dessert; the hotel is also overlooking the famous Red Sea with crystal clear blue waters and beautiful corals with the most amazing colored tropical fishes. Their Honeymoon suite that would leave you shell-shocked with astonishment, direct sea view, the moon, the stars, and sunset can all be viewed from your bed, your very own private double Jacuzzi, separate living room, walk in wardrobe, marble bathroom, DVD player with awesome sound surround and your own Wi-Fi device. Awesome romantic restaurants, very close to a shopping mall for all you serial shoppers it is really a Paradise to behold for honeymooners.

​These are just my top 5 and they were plenty wonderful resorts and romantic destinations that didn’t make the cut but I just wanted to give you this top five that really stood out among the rest, in terms of overall service, adventure and most important of all romance. Feel free to leave a comment letting us know other fancy destinations you have been to in Africa.

This article is written as part of the African Business Development Initiative of the Institute for Science and Technology Development.